What You Will: A Poem

WHAT YOU WILL. (For the Improvement Era.) You're starting out on a journey, my boy, And the world is joyous and fair; Her gardens are blooming for you, my boy, She laughs away your care. But earth is more than a play-ground, my boy, And the world's a bit of a shrew; She's sure to fling back in your teeth, my boy, Whate'er you say or do. And still she's an honest old dame, my boy. Full measure for measure she gives ; And her choicest gifts are to him, my boy. Who nobly, gladly lives — Valiant for all that is good, my boy ; Rejoicing in all that is true; Imparting in youth what you'd have, my boy. In age return to you. Her gift of life is a glory, my boy; Look! she let's down the rope for you. That hand over hand you may climb, my boy, For treasures old and new. Up, up, till you scale the summit, my boy, Don't throw your birthright away; Hold up your head with the mightiest, boy; Who wills it, wins the day. Ruth Mat Foi. •alt Lak« Oity, Utah.